Sunday, January 26, 2020

Examining leadership theories

Examining leadership theories 2.1.1 TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP THEORY Transformational leadership are those leaders that have vision and passion for great things and ensure that their followers are inspired by injecting enthusiasm and energy into them. According to Bertocci (2009), transformational leadership starts with the development of a vision, a view of the future that will excite potential followers. Transformational leaders are people oriented and they aim at making sure that the employees are highly committed to achieving the goals of the organisation. They encourage the employees to participate in contributing to the growth of the organisation by allowing them initiate ideas towards strategic directions. Transformational leaders motivate their followers to perform effectively in an organisation by encouraging, supporting and rewarding their performance. Furthermore, they also delegate task to their followers to enhance their performance and do a follow up to ensure that they are on the right direction of achieving the goals of the organisation. Transformational leadership focuses on achieving a vision and exceeding goals through intrinsic motivation and rewards, Bertocci (2009). The transformational leaders encourage the flow of communication in the organisation by clearly communicating the vision and goals of the organisation to the employees and they create a learning and development culture to make the employees to become competent. More importantly, they create an interesting workforce where the employees or followers are happy to deliver good services to the customers. 2.1.2 TRANSACTIONAL LEADERSHIP THEORY Transactional leadership are leaders that reward their employees according to their contributions in order to enhance their performance and make them effective in the organisation. Transactional leadership focuses on the goal to be accomplished and provides rewards that are tied to performance but does not intervene unless the goals are not being met, Bertocci (2009). Transactional leaders believe that employees must obey the instructions given by them and that any task delegated to them must be done on time in order for their efforts to be rewarded. It should be noted, that transactional leadership style is one of the most used styles in organisation to enable the leaders or managers enhance the performance of the employees and to increase productivity in the organisation. According to Bass, the best leadership is based on both transformational and transactional, Homrig (2001). 2.1.3 A CASE STUDY OF ASDA Asda store is the UKs second largest supermarket and was founded in 1949 in Leeds. For a short time in the 80s Asda stores ltd was a subsidiary of Asda MFI plc. The company went through financial issues in the early 90s, however, under the leadership of Archie Norman (CEO), Asdas long-term sustainability plan was developed. When Norman left the organisation to pursue his political career, he was replaced by Allan Leighton and in 2005 Tony de Nunzio replaced Leighton. At present the (CEO) of Asda is Andy Clark. 2.1.4 THE IMPACT OF TRANSFORMATIONAL AND TRANSACTIONAL LEADERSHIP THEORIES IN THE OPERATIONS OF ASDA Asdas aim is to deliver the best services to its customers by providing affordable goods and services. In order to achieve these aim colleagues at Asda are highly committed at performing their duties effectively. The organisation decided to change the structure and culture of Asda during the period of Norman by adopting the transformational style of leadership. Archie Norman transformed Asda by creating new strategies to change the culture of the organisation; his strategies focused on lower prices in order to attract more customers and also developed a customer friendly culture and a flat hierarchy. Norman wanted to build a culture that valued listening, open communication, learning and speed of response. During an interview conducted with one of Asdas store manager who stated that at present Andy Clarke has continue the use of the same transformational theory of leadership in order to accomplish the vision and sustainability of Asda, and one of the reason was to develop a dedicated team for delivering goods to the customers and to make sure the customers are happy. In order to motivate their colleagues in achieving the goals of the organisation they encourage their performance through what they call huddles. The huddle is a way of keeping everyone informed about how the business is performing, Asda (2008). The store manager ensures that they communicate the activities for the day and help the colleagues stay focused in achieving the goals of the organisation. They also provide training and development programmes that is suitable for the employees in order to support them with everything they need for their job and to also enhance their performance. The programme is developed to also strengthen the employees in order for them to be able to achieve the goals of the organisation and most importantly for them to have knowledge about the job. They also make sure that new employees understand the nature of their job and the unique culture of the organisation through a proper induction programme. After which they provide the employees with all the necessary tools to deliver their jobs effectively. Asda provides training programmes such as tailored training, colleague to manager, new retail managers etc. The duty managers at Asda also empower their colleagues by giving them the opportunity to put ideas that will add more value to the organisation Andy Clark uses his suggestion scheme to encourage colleagues to present ideas to make the business even more successful, Asda (2010).The tell Andy gives the colleagues opportunities to contribute ideas during meetings which eventually encourages the colleagues at Asda to be part of the organisation. At Asda, the leaders encourage the performance of their colleagues by recognising their contributions towards the success of the organisation. They offer those employees that have contributed in a unique way a competitive package to show their appreciations. At Asda, the leaders also reward their employees according to the contributions they bring forward. The bonus scheme is designed to recognise and reward colleagues for their valued contributions. It should also be noted that the managers allocates and communicates what is to be done to their colleagues and also make them aware of the rewards and benefits they get according to how effective they are in carrying out their various task. 2.2 LEADERSHIP STRATEGY THAT SUPPORTS ORGANISATIONAL DIRECTION Leadership strategy makes explicit how many leaders you need, what kind, where, with what skills and behaving in what fashion individually and collectively to achieve the total success you seek, Pasmore (2010). In order for a leader to become effective in an organisation, the leader needs to understand the vision, mission, values and goals to be able to formulate strategies to really fit with the objectives of the organisation and how to achieve the strategies to accomplish the goals of the organisation. A leader cannot move an organisation forward without the people, therefore people with potentials are needed to support the growth of the organisation. Andy Clarke created strategies to support the growth of Asda by using a concept which he called tell Andy concept and the suggestion scheme to encourage colleagues to come together to meet the goals of the organisation. The idea of the strategies is to make the colleagues be a part of the organisation by presenting their ideas to make the business even more successful. Furthermore, if the ideas of the colleagues are accepted the duty managers ensure that the contributions are recognised and rewarded. 2.3 CONCLUSION In my analysis, I was able to understand that the impact of transformational and transactional leadership theories in Asda makes the organisation very effective in providing the best services for their customers. However, I would like to also suggest the path goal theory of leadership in the organisation which will also contribute to making sure that the task given to employees at Asda will be carried out within the given period of time. The path goal theory proposes that effective leaders motivate their followers by rewarding performance and the accomplishment of goals within time frames set by the task, Bretocci (2009). The use of the theory in the organisation will further encourage employees more and make them even more effective in delivering good customer service in Asda. BIBLIOGRAPHY Asda 2008: www.asda.jobs/all-about/index.html assessed on 30/12/2010 Asda 2010: www.asda.jobs/hourly/training-and-benefits/recognition assessed on 30/12/2010 David I. Bertocci 2009, leadership in organizations: there is a difference between leaders and managers (published by university press of America inc.) pgs. 52, 56, 59 Colonel Mark A. Homrig 2001(http://www.leadership.au.af.mil/documents/homrig.htm) assessed on 21/12/2010 TASK 3: PLANNING FOR LEADERSHIP 3.1 INTRODUCTION In this task I will be presenting the leadership requirements and planning for the development of leadership skills to support the growth of an organisation. 3.1.1 APPROPRIATE METHODS TO REVIEW CURRENT LEADERSHIP REQUIREMENTS In order for an organisation to be successful in their business the management needs skilful and talented leaders that will support the employees in effectively driving the workforce of the organisation to attain its goals. To be an effective and good leader entails looking into the future of the organisation for continuous growth therefore it is important for every organisation that is working towards success to have leaders that will initiate and bring ideas forward in the interest of the organisation and a highly skilled labour force that will also help the organisation to become highly competitive. Therefore, to be a competent leader, effective communication skills, effective time management, effective decision making, effective innovative skills, effective planning, effective listening skills, effective coaching skills, effective people management skills, effective motivating skills etc. are needed to develop plans to meet the requirements of the organisation. More importantly, the performance of the employees to meet the objectives of the organisation depends on the culture and structure of the organisation and it should be noted that a bad culture can be an obstacle to the progress of the organisation. However, as a good leader with good qualities of leadership Im required to restructure the organisation by initiating ideas to move the organisation from a bad culture and structure to a better one. Also bearing in mind that the most difficult part of restructuring is telling employees not to do what they are used to doing which might lead to the employees resisting to changes in the organisation, therefore a drastic leadership qualities will then be needed to change the behaviour of the employees by communicating with them to let them know the reasons for a strategic change and how the change will have an impact on them as well as the organisation. It is however, also important to adopt different styles of leadership to enable me adapt to different situations or difficulties that might arise in the organisation. Furthermore, the purpose of adopting the different styles of leadership is to be able to deal with challenges like managing people in the organisation during the strategic change by supporting them in carrying out an effective task in the new structure. The purpose of change is to move an organisation from its present point to a different one which is more desirable in meeting its objectives, Hannagan (2002). 3.2 PLANNING FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF FUTURE SITUATIONS Planning helps to ensure that the future is taken into account, which may help the organisation to control the situation it finds itself in as far as possible and to prepare for unexpected eventualities, Hannagan (2002). There are new approaches and technological advancements coming up every day and in order to keep up with the changes in technology, training and development is important. Therefore, coaching skills is required to coach and support the employees with the ever changing developments to enable them come together to achieve a goal. To follow up on the employees is my responsibility as an effective leader to make sure everything is going well with them during the training and if additional coaching is needed to make them carry out their task effectively it should be provided without any hesitates. 4.1 PLANNING FOR THE DEVELOPMENTS OF LEADERSHIP SKILLS FOR A SPECIFIC REQUIREMENT Having identified the leadership skills required above (see fig 3.1.1) to become a competent leader in taking up a role in management, it is important to carry out a proper plan on developing the skills. It should be noted that, i already have some leadership skills used in supporting my personal business but it is important to improve the skills and develop new ones to enable me meet professional requirements. To attain the role of a human resource manager in the family business in two years it is necessary to get a degree in the MBA programme by 2012 to set me on a journey of achieving my training goals. Furthermore, the learning objectives is to make me exhibit required skills in managing people because the human resource department is all about looking after the welfare of the people in the organisation, to exhibit communication skills to be able to express and analyse clearly the vision, mission and goals of the organisation. However, it should be noted that there are different ways of communicating with people; therefore, it is important to develop interpersonal communication skills like listening skills, writing skills to be able to interact with the employees. It will also help to exhibit skills in team-working because the human resource manager is all about working with other members and departments to come together to achieve the goals of the organisation. In achieving the learning objectives it is important to practise and develop myself by addressing major issues that include managing people during a strategic change, problem solving and all the other necessary skills required of a human resource manager in an organisation. In order to boost the leadership skills, it should be noted, that practising these skills will help to improve my performance on how to effectively lead employees in the organisation. More importantly, to be a professional leader, continuous learning and self-development is also necessary so after my MBA programme I would like to further gain more experience in human resource management by enrolling in a three months professional course back home in my country to enable me boost my profile and to be well qualified to take over the role of the human resource manager in the family business. On successful completion of the MBA programme and the three months professional course in human resource management, I am sure to have improved on my skills and be ready to effectively carry out my responsibilities as the new human resource manager in the family business in the nearest future. 4.2 REPORT ON USEFULNESS OF METHODS USED IN PLANNING THE DEVELOPMENTS OF LEADERSHIP SKILLS The purpose of the learning method is to enhance my knowledge and performance on the new and existing skills that I have. The learning is useful because it gives the knowledge of how a good leader should behave and set good examples for the followers. It further gives me a better understanding of strategic leadership and management. The use of the self-development method in planning for the leadership skills needed is to help me develop myself through practising the skills of a leader. 4.3 CONCLUSION Finally,

Friday, January 17, 2020

Principles of diversity, equality and inclusion Essay

1. Understand the importance of diversity, equality and inclusion 1.1 Define what is meant by: †¢ diversityIndividual differences. Includes many factors, eg. race, gender, religious and political belief, abilities and disabilities, age and culture †¢ equalityInstilling a balance of fairness and status to all individuals †¢ inclusionaccommodating every individual to be part of a situation †¢ discriminationthe treatment of a person due to prejudice of their individual differences see more:legislation and codes of practice relating to diversity 1.2 Describe how direct or indirect discrimination may occur in the work setting Direct discrimination may be only including a particular group of people who the carer considers appropriate by their personal opinion. Direct discrimination may occur therefore due to a carers personal belief or opinion which should not be relevant whilst working in a care environment. Indirect discrimination is the assumption that the carer knows about a person without obtaining relevant information. This may occur if the carers assumes the individual is unable to take part in an activity by their own assumption rather than by any particular knowledge 1.3 Explain how practices that support diversity, equality and inclusion reduce the likelihood of discrimination If practices are in place to help carers have a better understanding of diversity, inclusion and equality, such as training and employment of diverse individuals, discrimination will naturally be reduced. If carers are enabled to get to know the diverse backgrounds, and gain a better understanding, stereotyping should be reduced 2. Know how to work in an inclusive way 2.1 List key legislation and codes of practice relating to diversity, equality, inclusion and discrimination in adult social care settings The Equality Act 2010 legally protects people Care Quality Commission compliance regulations Policies and procedures within the workplace 2.2 Describe how to interact with individuals in an inclusive way By getting to know the individual’s background you will be better equipped to encourage inclusion. They should feel comfortable in the environment to feel properly included. This may include treating them equally, without authority, listening and speaking with consideration and sincerity. The person should be encouraged to behave naturally in a way that is comfortable to them and does not challenge the individual to change themselves to fit into your own ideologies. 2.3 Describe ways in which discrimination may be challenged in adult social care settings Discrimination can be challenged by not tolerating and taking immediate action if it occurs. All individuals should be encouraged to challenge discrimination in a fair and calm way, this should be led by respect and consideration of others. When discrimination occurs, incidents should be reported and recorded. By making all staff, carers, service users and their carers/families aware of the discrimination policies and procedures, discrimination can be dealt with more swiftly and effectively. When carers are properly trained, they will have a better understanding of discrimination and be in a position to act positively to prevent and challenge the incident. 3. Know how to access information, advice and support about diversity, equality, inclusion and discrimination 3.1 Identify sources of information, advice and support about diversity, equality, inclusion and discrimination The workplace would be my first point of call for information. I would look to our handbooks, policies and procedures guidelines as well as management. I could also source information from government agencies and online support, and the Care Quality Commission for further information and support. Further still I could consider obtaining advice from related charities, organisations and private professionals. 3.2 Describe how and when to access information, advice and support about diversity, equality, inclusion and discrimination I should access information, advice and support at all stages, from initial training to refresher courses and keeping up to date with policy and legislation changes. It should be my responsibility as a carer to be aware of current information at all times. When incidents of discrimination occur I would immediately make my colleagues and managers aware and gain guidance and  support from the offset. If I found the support and information insufficient, I would then look to further sources for information, support and advice until I received a satisfactory conclusion for all involved.

Thursday, January 9, 2020

Your Expirience as an Imagination Hero Admission Essay

One Day in Doctors Life July, 3d, 1863 I have not slept today at all. The wounded are brought every minute and I now have a feeling that this battle will never end. I suppose I must be tired, but after having seen so much death, I can hardly feel anything. I know I must save peoples lives and this is what I have been doing here, so close to each battle field, since this horrific war started. But is it really important now? What is the use of saving lives if those who survive are thrown again into the massacre of war which destroys my country? General Lee believed that the Battle of Gettysburg will lead to our victory, but it is clear now he has been mistaken. Casualties make thousands, not hundreds. I am operating and operating, amputating the pieces of flesh, which used to be the feet that could walk along a beautiful spring meadow, the hands and arms, which could hug their beloved ones and shake the hand of a friend, hearing the hearts full of love and fear, which stop beating, closing the eyes which will never see the sky again. I know why we are at war. We have no choice but to protect the way we live and the land we love. But isnt the cost too high? Cant we really find any way to compromise, to accept and understand that fact that political differences are killing our souls and devastating the country we love so much? I wish I was deaf and could escape the moans of the wounded and the sound of the rifle and artillery fire, which means more losses to the Confederate army. I must get back to the surgery, back into the national nightmare. Oh, Lord, help us, as we can no longer help ourselves.

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

How Does Time Management Work - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 2 Words: 671 Downloads: 4 Date added: 2019/05/29 Category Management Essay Level High school Tags: Time Management Essay Did you like this example? 1. Compare the results of your personal time allocation to your ideal time allocation. Are you close to your ideal allocation? If not, what factors are affecting your use of time? It was not much different. Once I added the numbers up it came down to 169 hours. I went back and reviewed the times and I realized that I had more time down to â€Å"eating (including preparing food), etc.) than I actually use. I have set working on my classes as my top priority and I’ve been dedicating all the free hours that I have. One thing I’ve noticed is that the time I wrote down for attending class and studying is really an estimate. I’m not exactly sure on how much time I’m spending because I don’t keep track, I’ve just been using all my free time to study and focusing on finish all the assignments as soon as possible. But I know it’s a considerable amount of time. I’ve decided I’m going to start a log starting next week’s term so I can have an exact idea of how I’m using my time. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "How Does Time Management Work?" essay for you Create order 2. Based on what you’ve read this week, what strategies can you use to more effectively manage your time? Be sure to identify at least three time management strategies, and describe how you will apply them. 1. Time management: According to the textbook â€Å"To succeed in college, virtually everyone has to develop effective strategies for dealing with time. Something, somewhere has to give. That’s part of time management—and why it’s important to keep your goals and priorities in mind. The other part is to learn how to use the hours you do have as effectively as possible, especially the study hours.† (College Success†, 2015). After reading the chapter of the textbook I started researching about ways I could use to manage my time better, stay focused and increase productivity studying. I came accross this Pomodoro techinique and I found it really interesting. I decided I’m going to give it a try. â€Å"The Pomodoro Technique is a time management system that encourages people to work with the time they have—rather than against it.† (â€Å"Boogaard, Kat†, n.d.). I’ve been keeping my goals and priorities in mind and ensuri ng I use my hours as effectively as possible. I’ve planned my time in a way that I don’t feel overwhelmed and it’s been working so far. 2. Not procrastinate: Since I started my first term with UoPeople I had one very important thing in mind. I would not procrastinate. And I have been succesful on doing that. One thing that I’m worried about every time I start a new week is: making sure I read all the material and work on the assignments as soon as possible. I keep in mind that if I do that I will have spare time in case something comes up, or I can reward myself with the extra free time once everything is done. 3. Decide where I will not spend time: Before returning to school I would use my days off to spend time with my girlfriend and do other things for myself like playing video game, going to the shooting range and watching my favorite shows on Netflix. The workload is more than I thought it would be and it made me think of the orientation. They warn you, and it was true. And because of that I’ve decided where I wont be spending my time. Since the beggining of the term I haven’t been to the shooting range and I’ve also reduced my time playing video games, drastically. I used to go to the shooting range once a week. I also had to reduce the time spent watching Netflix. I used binge watch my favorite shows and now I haven’t been able to do that anymore. I recently started watching Narcos – Mexico and haven’t even gotten to episode 4 yet.